Green missed the entire 2011-12 season and has come off the bench so far this season, averaging 22.1 minutes, 8.6 points and 2.8 rebounds. This preseason, however, Green averaged 29.3 minutes, 13.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.0 block and started two of eight games. During his terse pre-game interview session, Green harmlessly was asked if maybe fans got spoiled by how well he played in the preseason. “Well, they’ve just got to get over it,” Green replied.

In 2½ seasons in OKC, Green averaged 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 37.0 minutes and started all 209 games he played.

“People who criticize and people who have something to say are people who never played this game before,” Green said tersely. “They think it’s all good just because you’re back on the court. After missing a year and having heart surgery, I’m not going to be the same player. I had a good preseason, but it’s still going to take some time.”